How much to tip on $500
Multiply the bill by the tip rate as a decimal. On a $500.00 bill, 18% is $500.00 x 0.18 = $90.00. The table covers the common rates; 15% to 20% is standard for sit-down service in the US, 18% to 20% is typical in cities, and 22% to 25% is for outstanding service or large parties.
| Tip rate | Tip | Total with tip |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | $75.00 | $575.00 |
| 18% | $90.00 | $590.00 |
| 20% | $100.00 | $600.00 |
| 22% | $110.00 | $610.00 |
| 25% | $125.00 | $625.00 |
Splitting a $500.00 bill
Add the tip first, then divide by the number of people. Each share below includes the tip.
| Tip rate | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | $287.50 | $191.67 | $143.75 |
| 18% | $295.00 | $196.67 | $147.50 |
| 20% | $300.00 | $200.00 | $150.00 |
| 22% | $305.00 | $203.33 | $152.50 |
| 25% | $312.50 | $208.33 | $156.25 |
Mental math for a $500.00 bill
Ten percent of $500.00 is $50.00: just move the decimal point one place to the left. From there, 20% is double ($100.00), 15% is 10% plus half of 10% ($50.00 + $25.00 = $75.00), and 5% is half of 10% ($25.00). Round to the nearest dollar if that is easier; a tip of $100.00 instead of $100.00 is well within the normal range.
Before or after tax?
Etiquette guides recommend tipping on the pre-tax subtotal. In practice, many people tip on the total, and the difference is small: at 8% sales tax, a 20% tip on the post-tax amount of a $500.00 pre-tax bill is $108.00 instead of $100.00, about $8.00 more. Check whether a service charge or gratuity has already been added, which is common for parties of six or more; in that case no extra tip is expected.
Nearby bill amounts
tip on $250, tip on $300, tip on $400. For any other amount or to round each share up to a whole dollar, use the tip calculator.